Bastille

The 11th & 12th Arrondissements

This Right Bank Paris neighborhood is most famous for its prominent role in the French Revolution. It’s here that rioters stormed the Bastille fortress back in 1789, with the nearby Place de la Nation, formerly called Place du Trône, hosting the guillotines to chop off heads. While little remains of its Revolutionary past, the district is now known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural landmarks, including the modern Opéra Bastille and La Coulée Verte, an elevated park/walkway built atop old train tracks.

The Must-Sees Near Bastille

WHAT NOT TO MISS IN THIS PARIS NEIGHBORHOOD

Take in a show at Paris’s modern Opéra Bastille which overlooks the bustling Place de la Bastille

Window shop at the Viaduct des Arts, then climb the steps to the left of the parking garage to reach La Coulée Verte

La Coulée Verte elevated park passing through the Jardin de Reuilly.

Walk along Paris’s elevated park all the way from Bastille to Daumesnil and beyond

Bassin de l'Arsenal port near Bastille in Paris

Grab some food to go and bring it to the Bassin de l’Arsenal to enjoy lunch by the water

Paris walking tour on the banks of the Seine river.

Experiences, Guided Tours

See the Sights Along the Seine

Spend a leisurely morning like a true Parisian! Your local guide Sophie will meet you for a sightseeing stroll along the Seine, telling you tales of Paris past as you make your way east to explore a historic area before ending at a popular fresh food market just in time for lunch!

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Paris cooking class and market shopping experience

Experiences, Gastronomic Experiences

Market To Table Tour & Cooking Class

Join American expat chef and cook book author Alisa of Sweet Pea Paris, for an authentically Parisian experience. You’ll start your adventure by following Alisa to one of Paris’s best marchés (fresh food markets), where you’ll tour the stalls, meet the merchants, discover local products, and…

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Paris Right Bank bag by Parisian designer Kasia Dietz

Fashion

Rive Droite Bag

Show your love for your favorite side of the Seine with a custom, hand-painted Rive Droite bag by local designer Kasia Dietz. Reverses to black with hand-painted ‘Paris’ pocket and secret zipper pocket. Also available in Rive Gauche (Left Bank).

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The Best Restaurants in Bastille

WHERE TO EAT IN THE AREA

The area around Bastille is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored, with its vibrant mix of restaurants that cater to every taste. From trendy restaurants serving up clever Italian cuisine to cozy eateries offering interesting takes on classic French dishes, you won’t go hungry here.

Pretty pastel interiors of trendy Paris brunch restaurant

Trendy Restaurants

The Best Bars & Cafes in Bastille

WHERE TO DRINK IN THE DISTRICT

Bastille is the epitome of Paris’s vibrant cafe and bar scene, a place where the spirit of the city comes alive. Here, you’ll discover an eclectic mix of spots, from chic rooftop bars offering breathtaking views to rowdy local sports bars. Whether you’re in the mood for a craft cocktail, a velvety espresso, or a pint of beer, this lively neighborhood has it all.

Cocktail Bars

CloudM

An Intimate & Elegant Sky Bar in Paris

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Cocktail Bars

Bluebird

Gin Lover’s Paradise in Paris

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All the Best Bars in Bastille

The Best Shops in Bastille

WHERE TO DO SOME SHOPPING

Shopping in Bastille offers something for all tastes and budgets. This neighborhood boasts an eclectic mix of shops, from cutting-edge fashion boutiques to charming vintage stores and artisanal markets. And the big brands are all here too. So whether you’re searching for handcrafted jewelry, plant-based products, or a cheap pair of shoes to replace the ones you just wore out walking all over Paris, you can find it near Bastille.

Shelves full of a variety of green plants

Home Decor

Plantes Pour Tous

Eco-Conscious & Budget-Friendly Plant Store in Paris

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Clothing & Accessories, Gourmet

Aujourd’hui Demain

Vegan Concept Store, Coffee Shop, & Cantine

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Gourmet

Aux Merveilleux de Fred

Puffy Pastries in Paris

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All the Best Shopping in Bastille

The Best Ways To Relax Around Bastille

WHERE TO UNWIND IN THE ARRONDISSEMENT

The Bastille neighborhood is always bustling. And while you may want to jump right into the action of it all at times, other times call for calm and quiet. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to unwind in the district, whether that means high-energy nights out or peaceful moments relaxing in a spa or hammam.

Concerts & Clubs

Café de la Danse

Casual & Comfortable Concert Venue

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Concerts & Clubs

Supersonic

Free Rock Nights Near Bastille

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The Best Concert Venues in Bastille

The Best Hotels Around Bastille

WHERE TO STAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The hotels in Bastille offer everything from upscale boutique accommodations to budget-friendly family-run inns. There are even a few surprisingly affordable five-star hotels in the area. So whether you’re seeking a room that’s sleek and chic or has an oh-so-Parisian old-world charm, you can find your perfect place to stay in the Bastille neighborhood.

Façade of the Paris Hôtel Boutet near Bastille

Luxury Hotel, Boutique Hotel

Hotel Paris Bastille Boutet-MGallery

Colourful pop art hotel lounge of the Moxy Bastille in Paris

Budget-Friendly Hotel

Moxy Paris Bastille

Budget-Friendly Hotel

Hôtel Marais Bastille Paris

Budget-Friendly Hotel

Hôtel Herse d’Or

The Best Hotels near Bastille

Want to Know Where Else We Locals Go?

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